Winter appeal: Michelle sees her children’s confidence grow through their DofE

We believe every young person deserves the chance to discover what they’re capable of. Thanks to funding and donations to the DofE charity, families like Michelle’s has access to new opportunities.

Her story shows just how life-changing your support can be for young people.

“I’m Michelle, mum to five amazing kids who’ve all done their DofE. Thanks to funding, they’ve had the chance to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and come home each week with a smile on their face.

My eldest, Jay, has gained so much from the DofE. He was a quiet kid, used to feel like an outcast, struggled with his mental health and didn’t know where he fitted in. Through the DofE, he’s found confidence, friendship and a place to be himself.

I want my children to always believe in themselves, have confidence and never think that they can’t just go for something because they haven’t got the ability. The DofE gave them that chance and I’m so grateful for it, they’ve been able to take part in something that’s changed their lives.

Right now, 1 in 5 young people are struggling with their mental health, and for young people growing up in families where money is tight, the chances of facing serious mental health challenges are higher again. That’s why DofE has meant so much to us. It’s given all my children a place to feel safe, accepted, and proud of who they are.

“My children are putting themselves out there, they’re pushing barriers that they wouldn’t ever have thought of doing before.”

Without funding, Michelle’s children wouldn’t have had this life-changing opportunity. This winter, your donation to the DofE charity could open doors for more young people by removing financial barriers and giving them the chance to thrive, just like Jay did.